AYV News, July 3, 2026
More than 10 Chinese nationals have been intercepted by the Commissioner of Labour and his enforcement team at the Mambudu Checkpoint in Kono district as part of an ongoing nationwide operation to enforce Sierra Leone’s Unified Work and Residence Permit regime.
The foreign nationals were reportedly travelling to Kumaroh village, where they were expected to engage in gold and diamond mining activities without having regularised their immigration and employment status in accordance with the country’s labour and immigration laws.
Following the interception, the individuals were handed over to the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters in Koidufor further investigation and any legal action deemed appropriate.
The operation forms part of the Government’s intensified enforcement campaign aimed at ensuring that all foreign nationals residing and working in Sierra Leone comply with the legal requirements governing employment and residency.
According to the Commissioner of Labour, the crackdown reflects the Government’s determination to end the practice of foreign nationals entering, residing or working in the country without the necessary permits.
He emphasised that strict enforcement of the Unified Work and Residence Permit regime is essential to strengthening national security, promoting lawful employment practices and safeguarding Sierra Leone’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation.
The Commissioner further warned that authorities will continue nationwide compliance inspections and take action against individuals and businesses found to be in breach of the country’s labour and immigration laws.
